Families are digging it - it's fun to grow your own

Blackberry juice seeps through the pocket of a three year old's jeans.
Mum Nathalie Elesia with (from left)  Maci Dan, 6, and twins Matthias Dan, 3, and Ethan Dan, 3, at Spilsby Allotments.Mum Nathalie Elesia with (from left)  Maci Dan, 6, and twins Matthias Dan, 3, and Ethan Dan, 3, at Spilsby Allotments.
Mum Nathalie Elesia with (from left) Maci Dan, 6, and twins Matthias Dan, 3, and Ethan Dan, 3, at Spilsby Allotments.

Family days at the allotment are all the more fun when there are tasty snacks to squirrel away for later - unless you are an unlucky twin like Ethan Dan and the evidence is there for all to see.

Mum Nathalie Elesia had to smile: "We've been picking berries with his brothers Mathias and Maci and he's been putting some in his pocket," she explained.

"We come down to our allotment in Spilsby a lot. We've had it for a couple of years and bring the children to get them away from the cartoons on the television.

Jacqueline and Jeffrey Sofield  have created a relaxing space at Spilsby Allotments, as well as learning as they go to grow their own.Jacqueline and Jeffrey Sofield  have created a relaxing space at Spilsby Allotments, as well as learning as they go to grow their own.
Jacqueline and Jeffrey Sofield have created a relaxing space at Spilsby Allotments, as well as learning as they go to grow their own.

"It's a nice thing to do as a family and being outside here feels really safe."

This month, Britain's love affair with allotments which spans for hundreds of years is being celebrated during National Allotments Week - and across Lincolnshire families like Ethan's are now reaping the rewards of all the hard work they have put in since Spring.

The history of allotments dates back to Anglo-Saxon times and it is claimed they are still measured out using an ancient system of rods, perches and poles.

Since 1908, local authorities have been required to provide land for allotments at peppercorn rents.

Coun Morgan Holland, chairman of Spilsby Town Council Allotments Committee, is proud that all the plots are now let for the first time.Coun Morgan Holland, chairman of Spilsby Town Council Allotments Committee, is proud that all the plots are now let for the first time.
Coun Morgan Holland, chairman of Spilsby Town Council Allotments Committee, is proud that all the plots are now let for the first time.

A high point came with the Dig for Victory campaign during the Second World War, when there were around 1.4 million plots across the country.

However, the arrival of frozen food in the 1970s saw a decline as Britons turned away from buying fresh to favouring a fast alternative.

If there is one positive thing that the Covid-19 pandemic has provided, it is giving people back time - and, following initial shortages of fresh food, reviving the interest in growing your own.

Allotments are suddenly hot property again to:

Cameron Dean 11, grew this impressive crop of sunflowers at Spilsby Allotments and loves getting out with his dad, Paul. Next up are his onions.Cameron Dean 11, grew this impressive crop of sunflowers at Spilsby Allotments and loves getting out with his dad, Paul. Next up are his onions.
Cameron Dean 11, grew this impressive crop of sunflowers at Spilsby Allotments and loves getting out with his dad, Paul. Next up are his onions.

- Get out in the fresh air and Improve your health and wellbeing

- Grow your own fruit and vegetables

- Support the environment and reduce food miles

- Meet new people and make new friends at a safe distance

Tracey Holliday of the New Life Centre, Spilsby, sewing some seeds to grow fresh vegetables for the local food bank.Tracey Holliday of the New Life Centre, Spilsby, sewing some seeds to grow fresh vegetables for the local food bank.
Tracey Holliday of the New Life Centre, Spilsby, sewing some seeds to grow fresh vegetables for the local food bank.

- Save money on grocery shopping

- Support local wildlife and connect with nature

One of the oldest allotments in the county is at Caistor, dating back to April 1895, when the council took 34 acres of land offered by the Earl of Yarborough and it was agreed the probable rent be 28/- per acre.

There are now 14 plots in the town and the local council is seeking additional space as the waiting list continues to grow.

"We naturally has some enquiries during lockdown, but some people on the waiting list dug up their own gardens and came off the list.

"We've always had a healthy interest in the allotments, though, including from archaeologists as it's next to the town Roman wall - although digs only happen out of the growing season."

One of the attractions for Jon Finnis, of Spilsby, when buying his home was it was near the allotments.One of the attractions for Jon Finnis, of Spilsby, when buying his home was it was near the allotments.
One of the attractions for Jon Finnis, of Spilsby, when buying his home was it was near the allotments.

Boston Borough Council boasts more than 480 allotments under its control - testament to the important role they play in this community.

An allotments strategy was formed in 2012, when the Parks and Leisure Portfolio holder, Coun Yvonne Gunter said: "Growing your own fruit, vegetables and herbs is one of the most rewarding and fun things you can do.

"I believe allotments, and local food growing can play a very important role in the community, not only providing health and well-being benefits but also by bringing communities together and helping to create a greener environment."

That is certainly evident at Spilsby's allotments in Hundleby Road - a vision of gold with the number of plots blooming with sunflowers when we went along to see how they were growing .

Spilsby Town Council are proud of the improvements made there since being awarded a £10,000 Lottery grant last year to tidy the area up - and for the first time every plot is let.

"The plots are looking really good now, said Coun Morgan Holland, chairman of the council's allotments committee. "We used the grant money to tidy them up and create a communuty area with picnic benches, a composting toilet and a communal shed for plot holders to store equipment. There is also some play equipment on there.

"This is the first time they have all been full - and we have some community groups here too."

Tracey Holliday was busy sewing seeds on the New Life Centre plot. "It's an important space for anyone with mental health issues, especially when they don't have a garden.

"The produce goes to the food bank and any left over is shared with members for a donation. People really appreciate being able to get fresh vegetables/"

Another plot holder, Jon Finnis, said he chose his home because it was next to the allotments. "It was great for us to bring the children during the pandemic - and it also teaches them where food comes from," he said.

Having an allotment during the pandemic was also a godsend for .Jeffrey and Jacqueline Sofield. "We got ours in March and as soon as we were allowed out after lockdown we were here," said Jacqueline, sat in a covered area between two sheds, surrounded by flowers. "We've got a bath, sink and toilet here - all filled with flowers though.

"Having an allotment is a new thing for us and we are learning as we go along - but it's been a godsend during lockdown when we were able to get out but not see our families. We love it here."

* For further details about Spilsby allotments or to be added to the waiting list, email the Town Clerk at [email protected]

ALLOTMENTS NEAR YOU

SKEGNESS

Skegness Town Council has approximately 100 half size plots which are now our standard allotment. They are located at the bottom of Graham Road.

The charge is currently £35 per annum for a standard allotment which includes an annual charge of £5 for water. A £5 deposit is also required for a key.

For details call the office 01754 840040 OR submit your request online.at www.skegness.gov.uk

.TRUSTHORPE - SUTTON ON SEA

The Town Council owns two allotment sites in the parish: Trusthorpe and Sutton-on-Sea.

The large site at Trusthorpe (adjacent to St. Peter's Church) is managed by the Trusthorpe Allotment Gardens Association.

For enquiries regarding the small site (off Alford Road) Sutton-on-Sea, call the Town Clerk's Office on 01507 613644.

For any enquiries regarding Trusthorpe Allotments, please also contact the office and current details for contacting the Committee will be passed on to you.

LOUTH TOWN COUNCIL

There are plots of varying sizes ranging from mini-plots, ¼ plots, ½ plots to full plots, which are a standard 250m sq size.

Rent for a full plot is £30, half plot £17, quarter plot £10.50 and mini plot £8 for the year (April – March) and includes rent, subscription fees to the National Allotment Society and water charges.

If you are interested in renting an allotment please contact Pauline Oakes who is the Association Secretary on 01507 603806

SLEAFORD ALLOTMENTS

Sleaford Town Council has over 150 allotment plots over two sites within Sleaford and vary in size. The approximate size of plots are: Full Plot 750sqm; Half Plot 375sqm and a Starter Plot 187sqm.

There are two sites - The Drove, just over the railway bridge, and Galley Hill, accessed off Millfield Terrace, For details call 01529 303456

BOSTON BOROUGH COUNCIL

There are plots on Witham Way, Willoughby Road, Spilsby Road, Toot Lane and Wyberton Low Road. Allotment sites owned by Boston Borough Council, but managed by a tenant association, include Wyberton West Road. Allotments owned and managed by Parish Councils include Bicker Parish Council, Leverton Parish Councill and Fishtoft Parish Council.

Visit moderngov.boston.gov.uk for details.

HORNCASTLE ALLOTMENTS

The Horncastle Allotments are situated behind Churchill Avenue (off Boston Road). There are 61 plots in total of varying sizes.

Rent of new plots is £20 a year (runs from January to December) with a £45 deposit which is returned once the plot is given up provided it has been left free of weeds and debris, the key has been returned and it is ready to re-let.

If you wish to rent one, call the Town Council on 01507 522957

CAISTOR ALLOTMENTS

There are 14 plots situated on the of Junction North Kelsey Road and Brigg Road.

Rent £25 a year April to March

Call 07900 340026 for details or email [email protected]